The good Cornellians can do: Toby Bothel ’79

Toby Bothel ’79 is a breast cancer survior who has paddled dragon boats since she was diagnosed in 2007. She and her husband moved to Costa Rica in 2020 to be closer to tier daughter and grandchildren.

"As we were preparing to move, I was already thinking about starting a dragon boat team here, for female cancer survivors," Toby said.

Toby's dragon boat team, Pura Vida Dragón Rosa, now comprises 15 female cancer survivors.

"Our team joins more than 350 breast cancer survivor teams and 6,000 survivors around the world who have discovered that a dragon boat and the camaraderie of sister survivors can be the key to finding wellness and an active life after a cancer diagnosis," Toby said.

Toby trains twice a month in a 9.2-meter dragon boat and meets with her team off-the-water to participate in fitness workouts, yoga classes, and social events with family members.

Her team is beginning to partner with local health care providers to offer support and resources to women who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment.

In collaboration with local health clinics, Pura Vida Dragón Rosa will also be sponsoring mobile mammography van visits, offering breast cancer and other cancer screenings for all women and men. The team formed a Costa Rican NGO this year.

"Our team is a symbol of perseverance, of reclaiming our strength, of proving to ourselves and the world that we are still here, still powerful, and still thriving. It is a floating testament to the unbreakable spirit of women who refuse to be defined by their struggles but instead choose to rise together, to paddle forward, and to inspire others along the way," Toby said.

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